When we don't pay attention to what our bodies tell us about the foods we should be avoiding, acid reflux, also known as GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is often the result. It happens when the sphincter found at the bottom of the esophagus does not seal the way it should, allowing acids from the stomach to come up through the esophagus to the throat and mouth. The result is a continual burning sensation in the chest and throat, and a sour taste in the mouth.

In the past, it was usually believed that spicy foods were the primary problem. However, they may not be causing your episodes at all. Many foods and beverages can cause the sphincter in the esophagus to relax, which is why it's so important to avoid those foods when combating acid reflux disease.

Okay, so let's take a look at the five primary food groups that are often behind your acid reflux episodes.

Fruits & Vegetables

Potatoes, particularly when fried but also mashed, and onions can both cause problems. Most doctors will propose that you avoid them whenever you can, particularly fried potatoes. Fruits (such as tomatoes, oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and cranberries) that are extremely acidic should be avoided too. This includes the often overlooked fruit juices such as orange juice and cranberry juice.

Dairy

Drinking milk to relieve your acid reflux was at one time thought to be a popular remedy. Regrettably, milk and dairy products in general, are acid based and will actually exacerbate your disease. Sour cream, ice cream, cottage cheese, milk ... these are all dairy products that you should consider either eliminating from your diet or at the very least tracking their effects.

Coffee, Alcohol And Other Drinks

As much as you may love drinking, alcohol can present a big problem for those suffering from acid reflux. This is especially true for liquor and wine. Try to keep your drinking to a minimum. If you're a coffee drinker, regrettably, you're going to have to make some alterations as well. It's the caffeine that causes the trouble. So you'll also want to try eliminating caffeine teas and hot chocolate from your diet.

Desserts

You've already been warned about ice cream. The truth is ... most desserts should be avoided if you're suffering from acid reflux. Chocolate, for example, is a big time culprit. So that immediately places chocolate ice cream, chocolate cakes, chocolate icing, brownies and more on our list of foods to avoid. But that's not all. You also want to avoid desserts that are fried or heavy in butter.

Fast Foods

Yes, try as we might not to have to face this one, fast food does land on the list. The problem, of course, isn't fast food in general but fried foods, ice cream desserts, milk shakes, greasy burgers and the like. A grilled chicken sandwich, for example, should be just fine. However, you really want to avoid those French fries, the bucket of fried chicken, the chicken nuggets, etc. This doesn't mean you can't eat fast food, only that you have to be far more distinguishing.

While these foods are often troubling for acid reflux sufferers, not all of them will have the same impact on every person. Because of this, your doctor will likely suggest that you keep a food diary to identify those foods that are causing you the most difficulty. Frequently distinguishing these foods and adding them to your avoid list can be enough to keep your symptoms in check. This is plainly a much better option that taking medications or undergoing surgery.